First Minister Arlene Foster has said that they hope to reach the final stage by December.

There are no firm dates set out in Northern Ireland’s roadmap out of lockdown which was published on Tuesday. Pic: PA Images

Progression onto the next phase will be informed on meeting public health criteria and the NHS’s capacity to cope.

In one of the first steps, groups of four to six people who do not share a household will be allowed to meet each other outdoors while maintaining social distance.

Churches will also be allowed to open for private prayer and large outdoor-based retailers such as garden centres will also re-open.

Progression onto the next phase will depend on meeting public health criteria and the NHS’s capacity to cope. Pic: PA Images

Step five, the final stage, will see large indoor gatherings, nightclubs, concerts, close physical contact sports, restaurants, cafes, pubs and early years education.

‘We know some will want us to set a date for lifting of restrictions, but we will not be driven by a timetable and we know some will be disappointed by that. Many will want answers immediately around specific scenarios that impact them most directly, but our roadmap won’t answer every query, it provides an indication which people can use in looking ahead, in anticipating how the next weeks and months might evolve,’ First Minister Arlene Foster said.

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neil said: ‘When we’re in position to slowly and carefully move out of the lockdown, we will keep you updated every step of the way.

A five-point plan with no set timetable has been published to exit restrictions imposed due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Northern Ireland. Pic: PA Images

‘It’s not in the too-distant future, if people keep following the advice.’

The executive is set to review its regulations at the end of this month.

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